Design/Build Archives – Creative Contracting

5 Ways to Stop Dreaming and Start Planning Your Home Remodel Project

On August 21, 2021 / Design/Build, Remodeling

It’s easy to stand in your kitchen and know you want to remodel, but it can be challenging to know where to start. Home remodeling projects can be intimidating between hiring a professional, deciding what you want to do, and figuring out how to live without a section of your home. However, you can avoid all those scary unknowns and maybe even have some fun with your remodel with the right amount of preparation. Hate List and Love List At this early time, think about what you would like to do in the space, and don’t let perceived obstacles hold up your dreaming. Start a brainstorming list and jot down anything and everything that comes to mind. Talk to your spouse or family members who will also use the space and get their input and ideas as well. You may be thinking, My home works fine, it’s just that my cabinets are hideous, and that’s fine too; put it on the list. It’s also essential to list the things you hate about your current space. These details can help build a picture of your ideal design and avoid making the same mistakes you hated in the original space. For example, […]

Here are the Questions You Should Be Asking Your Contractor

On July 10, 2021 / Design/Build

Choosing the right remodeler for your home can be an intimidating quest. After all, you will likely be giving this company the keys to your home and trusting them to respect your property, your time, and your family. As ominous as that sounds, it does not have to end in disaster if you make the right choice, it can actually be very enjoyable. You don’t have to be an expert to hire the right contractor. What you do need to know is what to look for and how to ask for it. The Little Things When conducting the interview, pay attention to the little things. Did they show up on time? How did they dress? Did they listen to what you want, or did they just try to sell you their ideas? A good contractor knows that they’re building your project, not theirs. They not only want you to get to know them, but they want to get to know you as well. The relationship you’ll build is the foundation of your success while working together. Finding out if it’s a good fit is perhaps the most crucial goal of your interview process. The Way We Do It Here A professional contractor […]

Granite vs. Quartz Countertops: What’s the Right Top for Your Home?

On May 22, 2021 / Design/Build

Choosing between granite or quartz can sometimes feel overwhelming. Both of these products are great options, but how do you choose what is best for you? Let’s break it down, highlighting the pros and cons of each to provide you with the information you need to select the best countertop for YOU. A Popularity Contest Although quartz is currently making strong inroads in the countertop game, granite is still the undisputed champion of the countertop world. It is by far the most popular, but no one countertop checks all the boxes. Granite might work better for some families, while quartz is a better fit for others. What are they made of? Mother Nature loves variety, and no two granite stones are exactly the same. Granite is quarried from the earth, sliced into slabs, and then polished to achieve the beautiful countertops you see in showrooms. This natural diversity in appearance means it’s crucial that you go to the warehouse and pick the exact slab you want to use in your home. If you try to pick granite from a sample, you may discover that the top installed in your home may look nothing like the sample you chose in the […]

Should I Build a New Home or Remodel My Current Home?

On May 15, 2021 / Design/Build

“Should I remodel my home or build a new one?” This is a question we hear a lot. With so many great neighborhoods to choose from in Cincinnati, the question can be a bit of a gray area. You could love the community you’re in but not your home, or you could love the home you’re in, but not the neighborhood. Either way, it’s a tough decision that will ultimately be up to you; however, here are a few things to consider to help you make this difficult choice. When should you consider remodeling? You love your neighborhood/neighbors. Almost nothing can replace the comfort of your neighborhood and the strength of friendships. Suppose you and your family have strong relationships with the neighbors around you. In that case, it might be best for everyone to stay put and invest in a thought-out remodeling plan. Moving would mean a change in schools for your children. Kids go through a lot while growing up. Not only are they learning about the world, but they are also learning about themselves. This involves changes that can make them feel unbalanced. Having a stable and secure home and school life can help kids feel safer […]

Range Hoods and What They Mean for Your Kitchen Remodel

On March 20, 2021 / Design/Build, Remodeling

There are many choices and decisions to be made during a kitchen remodel, and they can quickly become overwhelming. This is especially true for decisions that could affect the health or safety of your home. Ventilation options for the kitchen are one of those choices that can make homeowners feel too inexperienced to make the right decision. You don’t need to know everything about the number of amps required within your range hood in correlation to the heat your stovetop expels. However, it could be beneficial to understand why range hoods are essential, the difference between vented versus unvented, and the different range hood options. Knowledge is power, and empowering yourself with the need to know information about range hoods will allow you to make an informed decision and feel good about it afterward. Why You Need a Range Hood While it might feel obvious as to why a range hood within a kitchen is important, sometimes what feels like elementary level information can bring to light what aspects of the decision are important to you. Safer and Healthier Air First and foremost, the most important reason to include a range hood within your kitchen remodel is safety. When cooking, […]

Are You Using Houzz to Collect Your Design Ideas?

On March 6, 2021 / Design/Build

Back in the day, clients were excited to drop their two-inch-thick folder on the table, full of pictures they had torn out of magazines. The meetings would be filled with shuffling papers and sticky notes on why they love a specific photo. Like kids with a birthday wish list, we worked through the pages one by one and discussed what struck them about each and how we might incorporate these design ideas into their homes. Like many things in our lives, technology has made this more manageable, more accessible, collaborative, and possible for your dentist to keep their magazines intact. With tools like smartphones and tablets, bringing in your design ideas and a wish list is easier than ever, and the recycling bin doesn’t get so full! Using a tool like houzz.com can collect and express your design dreams and wishes to your contractor in a more straightforward manner. It ensures you’re on the same page and reduces the risk of your home remodel not being precisely what you want. With just a few clicks, your contractor and designer will know what you’re looking for, and even better, they can collaborate and add to your dream with their professional expertise. How to […]

How COVID Has Changed The Way We Use Our Homes

On February 20, 2021 / Design/Build

Our houses are not just a roof over our heads. They are homes in which we build families, memories, and lives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of our homes has been highlighted with lockdown orders. The need to love the space you live in is a fact that millions of Americans have learned, as evidenced by the surge of people buying new homes. After spending over a year in some form of lockdown, it’s clear that our homes need to suit our lives in different ways than they ever have before. “Normal” life may not be coming back any time soon, and we must adapt and improve our spaces to allow us to live happier lives even while quarantined from our families. New Hobbies and Routines Of course, the number of harmful changes that has come with COVID is undeniable, but there have been some good ones as well. For example, people are taking on new hobbies, learning new skills, and sharpening old ones. With all the extra time we have, it seems many of us are taking advantage of them. Without the luxury of our favorite cafes or coffee shops, many are learning to be their own barista […]

Should I Keep A Bathtub In My Master Bathroom?

On February 6, 2021 / Design/Build, Remodeling

If you find yourself asking the question, “Do I have to keep a bathtub in my bathroom?” then you might be in the middle of a great tub debate. Many homeowners find themselves wondering what to do about a massive bathtub within their master bathroom, and inevitably the question arises, “Do we have to keep it?” There’s isn’t one perfect answer for everyone, so let’s explore four ways to consider this choice that will help you make the right decision for you and your family. Do You Want One? This may sound too obvious, but if you’re not a tub person, why spend money on one? We’re not suggesting you throw caution to the wind (see the rest of this blog); we’re just not a fan of encouraging our clients to spend money on a bathtub that you don’t even want and aren’t likely to use. If having a tub sounds like just another thing to keep clean, we suggest to seriously consider getting rid of it. Still not convinced? Let’s move on to our next consideration. Do You Have Another One? If you’re remodeling your master bathroom and have another bathroom in your home with a tub, your decision […]

These Are the Kitchen Remodel Details That Matter, Don’t Leave Them Out

On January 9, 2021 / Design/Build, Remodeling

Undertaking a kitchen remodel is no small task and can quickly become overwhelming when faced with all the details. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Below might be four of the most essential elements of any kitchen remodel. We’re going to dive into each and give you the tools and information you need to make the right decision for you and your family. Lighting Your Kitchen The lighting within your kitchen is not there to simply get you in and out of a space. As we’ve explored more in-depth in another article, Lighting Options: How to Create a Stunning Home Remodel with Lighting, excellent lighting design is all about layers. To boost your kitchen remodel’s functionality and beauty, you need to include all three of the different layers of lighting design. General Lighting This lighting gets you in and out of a space and usually comes in the form of canned lights or recessed lights in the ceiling. Task Lighting This type of lighting is placed strategically within the kitchen to assist with specific tasks such as over a sink for washing up or under-cabinet lighting for meal prep. Mood Lighting While this type of lighting could be […]

Our 6 Favorite Shower-heads You’ll Want in Your Bathroom Remodel

On November 21, 2020 / Design/Build

Walking into a plumbing showroom can be immediately overwhelming! There are endless amounts of showerhead options, and it can be hard to know where to start. Knowing what style or type of showerhead you’re looking for can help eliminate some of that shopping anxiety. Here we’re going to talk about some of our favorite showerheads. Hip to be Square This stunning brushed nickel shower headset is not your average showerhead. The main head is square to give it that unique style flare. The matching temperature levers are beautifully designed to bring symmetry to the set. Alongside the main shower head and levers is another adjustable height handheld showerhead. This is perfect for customizing your showering experience to your specific needs. Handheld showerheads are also an excellent tool when bathing our furry friends! A Gold Moment for Showers Another main shower, handheld shower combo! These are becoming increasingly more popular, and it’s easy to see why. The convenience and customizability of this combination makes it great for growing families or aging in place couples. This eye-catching gold finish blends beautifully with the statement tile wall and shower door fixtures. If you’re looking […]

Navigating through the Design/Build Process

On January 27, 2017 / Design/Build

As a Design/ Builder, frequently I am asked what is the difference between your approach and the traditional approach to projects? I have been in the business for over 30 years and have lectured at two national remodeling conventions on the subject so I think I can speak with some authority. When I became a Design/ Builder way back in 1978, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) actually would not let me be a national member because in their rules and regulations they stated that either you were an Architect or you were a General Contractor. It sounds so silly today to state that, but back then the AIA was run by purists that truly believed in that statement. Fortunately the local AIA thought it was silly also and allowed me all the privileges of being a member (they just did not tell the national that I was a local member.) I would argue that who better to build it than the person that designed it. In earlier times such famous people as Leonardo Di Vinci, Michelangelo, or Gaudi were all Design/Builders. It worked very well for them. So what are the differences. The Traditional Approach: In a traditional approach […]

What is an Architectural Feasibility Study for a residential remodeling project?

On January 27, 2013 / Design/Build, Remodeling

Stan Better Architects is a part of the Stan Better Family of Companies which also includes Stan Better Construction. As a Design Build firm our approach to the design build process is unique. Many times I have been asked “What does an Architectural Feasibility Study include and not include?” My hope is that this article will answer these questions. When someone initially calls me about some remodeling they want to do to their house I first determine the scope of work the person is asking me to do. If the project is comprehensive enough that it would require the services of a design professional like myself, then I schedule a meeting at no cost or obligation to go out and meet with the Owners and see the actual existing conditions. At this initial meeting I discuss the wants and needs of the Owners; observe the existing conditions affecting those wants and needs such as zoning issues, structural issues, budget constraints etc..; and determine if this project is a candidate for an Architectural Feasibility Study. The difference between offering an Architectural Feasibility Study versus a full service Architectural contract is that full service contracts require much more comprehensive Architectural details and […]

How to deal with your Insurance Co. on a fire damage loss

On January 27, 2011 / Design/Build, Remodeling

One of the most horrific things that can happen to a Homeowner is fire damage. Equally horrific is after the fire, the ordeal that a Homeowner is put through to get their home and life back together. Unfortunately, there are more horror stories on this subject than all other aspects of home ownership. After over 30+ years in this business, I have had my share of dealing with good and bad Insurance Companies when it comes to these types of losses. I have even set up a separate company “SBC Restoration “ to specifically deal with these kinds of insurance issues. So sit back, relax, and let me tell you what you are in store for if you are the victim of a fire loss. I will use, as an example, a project I did a few years back. The names are not important, but their story is very typical of what can, and generally does happen. The Homeowners were out of town when a lightning bolt hit their two story home and caused the second floor to catch fire. A neighbor called the fire department, and after the firemen flooded their second floor with water, were successful in saving […]

How to create a GREEN kitchen

On January 21, 2011 / Design/Build, News

Green is the buzz word of the millennium. Everyone wants to be a part of the Green Movement, but most do not know how to do it. So I am going to take the principles of green construction and apply it to the remodeling of a kitchen. There is no such thing as getting a green certification for your kitchen unless it is part of a total house remodeling, but that shouldn’t deter you from applying some of the common sense principles. Resource efficiency is an important part of building sustainability. Think of your home as a major resource consumer. Your home has and will consume resources. This affects the environment by depleting natural resources, energy use, and increases in waste. By using durable, renewable, responsibly produced materials, and managing building waste, you can positively affect the environment and achieve your own level of Green. So what positive steps can you take in your remodeled kitchen: RESOURCE EFFICIENCY: Recycle: Create a built-in collection space. This collection space encourages sustainable living for the occupants. Recycling becomes convenient and a daily part of your life. Collection spaces should be designed with odor and air quality in mind. Your positive decision should not […]

Archive for the Design/Build Category

5 Ways to Stop Dreaming and Start Planning Your Home Remodel Project

Here are the Questions You Should Be Asking Your Contractor

Granite vs. Quartz Countertops: What’s the Right Top for Your Home?

Should I Build a New Home or Remodel My Current Home?

Range Hoods and What They Mean for Your Kitchen Remodel

Are You Using Houzz to Collect Your Design Ideas?

How COVID Has Changed The Way We Use Our Homes

Should I Keep A Bathtub In My Master Bathroom?

These Are the Kitchen Remodel Details That Matter, Don’t Leave Them Out

Our 6 Favorite Shower-heads You’ll Want in Your Bathroom Remodel

Navigating through the Design/Build Process

What is an Architectural Feasibility Study for a residential remodeling project?

How to deal with your Insurance Co. on a fire damage loss

How to create a GREEN kitchen

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